Letter from Mayor Tim Cadogan and Letter from Karitane Upoko and

Letter From Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan

Tim Cadogan Letter from Tim Cadogan Central Otago Mayor

When I first moved to Central Otago, I didn’t know a single person. I remedied that by going to the local pub and standing at the bar until someone talked to me. Once people found out I had moved here, I was soon taken and introduced to everyone, which started some long-term friendships.

I realise though that standing at a bar certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (or glass of beer). That is why myself and my Council are such keen supporters of the Welcoming Communities programme. Central Otago is growing and changing in more dynamic ways than just about any other time in our history, with people making this special place their home from all corners of the country and the world, bringing with them new ways of thinking, of living, of sharing that enrich us all. I congratulate the Welcoming Communities leaders for making the pathways into this place and its people clearer and easier for our new neighbours and friends.

Tim Cadogan

Letter from Upoko (chief) of Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki

Kāi Tahu te iwi Hikaroroa te maunga Waikouaiti te awa Puketeraki, Ōtākou, me Moeraki ngā rūnaka Araiteuru te moana Ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa

Everywhere we live in this world of ours, people support each other. My personal experience of living in a new country – in my case – the Yukon Territory became our new home. In those twenty years, we experienced no father, mother, or siblings, and no aunties and uncles. It is therefore my duty as Upoko, Puketeraki marae, to congratulate the Central Otago District Council and community members for creating and developing a Welcome to Central Otago kaupapa. I urge all newcomers to this beautiful rohe, to get involved in this initiative. I can assure you that Central Otago has a fine history of providing Aroha, Manaakitanga, and Fellowship.

Nō reira,

Kia hora te marino, kia whakapapa pounamu te moana, kia tere te kārohirohi i mua i tō huarahi

May the calm be widespread, may the sea glisten like greenstone and may the shimmer of summer dance across your pathway.

David Ellison A LETTER FROM DAVID ELLISON

David Ellison